KU vs. UK: Basketball’s blue bloods meet

The story goes seldom-used guard Adolph Rupp asked to hold the ball in one of his Kansas team photos from the early 1920s.

KU's Tyshawn Taylor was greeted by the KU student section after Saturday night's thriller in New Orleans.
Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Elijah Johnson (15) shot a basket over Ohio State Buckeyes guard Aaron Craft (4) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) prepared to talk to media on the court as Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self and Kansas Jayhawks guard Travis Releford (24) shared a smile and and handshake after the University of Kansas and beat Ohio State University in the NCAA Final Four basketball game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Saturday, Mar 31, 2012, in New Orleans, Louisiana. {Photo by SHANE KEYSER | Kansas City Star).
SHANE KEYSER/Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) had his pat to the basket blocked by Ohio State Buckeyes forward Evan Ravenel (30) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self hugged Kansas Jayhawks guard Elijah Johnson (15) as the rest of the team walked off of the court after the University of Kansas and beat Ohio State University in the NCAA Final Four basketball game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Saturday, Mar 31, 2012, in New Orleans, Louisiana. {Photo by SHANE KEYSER | Kansas City Star).
SHANE KEYSER/Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) and teammate Jeff Withey grabbed a rebound in front of Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jared Sullinger (0) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) shared a hug and a few words with Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jared Sullinger (0) after the University of Kansas and beat Ohio State University in the NCAA Final Four basketball game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Saturday, Mar 31, 2012, in New Orleans, Louisiana. {Photo by SHANE KEYSER | Kansas City Star).
SHANE KEYSER/Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Tyshawn Taylor (10) drove to the basket around a pick set by teammate Jeff Withey on Ohio State Buckeyes guard Aaron Craft (4) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

While Tyshawn Taylor and his teammates celebrated, Ohio State's Jared Sullinger (0) buried his face in his unifrom after the Jayhawks comeback win Saturday night in New Orleans. RICH SUGG/The Kansas City Star_03312012.
Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star

Ohio State players milled around on the floor as Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jared Sullinger (0) collapsed on the floor and covered his face after the University of Kansas and beat Ohio State University in the NCAA Final Four basketball game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Saturday, Mar 31, 2012, in New Orleans, Louisiana. {Photo by SHANE KEYSER | Kansas City Star).
SHANE KEYSER/Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks center Jeff Withey (5) battled for a loose ball with Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jared Sullinger (0) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

KU's Thomas Robinson let out a roar as he left the court and was greeted by a jubilant group of students after Saturday night's thrilling win over Ohio State.
Kansas City Star

While the Jayhawks celebrated in the background Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) consoled Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jared Sullinger (0) after the University of Kansas and beat Ohio State University in the NCAA Final Four basketball game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Saturday, Mar 31, 2012, in New Orleans, Louisiana. {Photo by SHANE KEYSER | Kansas City Star).
SHANE KEYSER/Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks center Jeff Withey (5), Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) and Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jared Sullinger (0) jumped for a rebound in the second half during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

KU's Thomas Robinson let out a roar as he left the court and was greeted by a jubilant group of students after Saturday night's thrilling win over Ohio State.
Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) came to console Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jared Sullinger (0) as the rest of the Jayhawks celebrated after the University of Kansas and beat Ohio State University in the NCAA Final Four basketball game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Saturday, Mar 31, 2012, in New Orleans, Louisiana. {Photo by SHANE KEYSER | Kansas City Star).
SHANE KEYSER/Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks fans reacted at the end of the second half as the Jayhawks took the lead over the Ohio State Buckeyes during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

KU's Tyshawn Taylor cleanly picked the pocket of Ohio State's William Buford in the closing seconds and sealed the win for the Jayhawks Saturday night in New Orleans.
Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) pulled down a rebound away from Ohio State Buckeyes guard Lenzelle Smith, Jr. (32) in the second half during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

KU's Tyshawn Taylor cleanly picked the pocket of Ohio State's William Buford in the closing seconds and sealed the win for the Jayhawks Saturday night in New Orleans.
Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Travis Releford (24) reacted after an official's whistle in the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

KU's Elijah Johnson lofted this right handed scoop over Ohio State's Jared Sullinger in the closing minutes to help give KU a 64-62 win Saturday night in New Orleans. RICH SUGG/The Kansas City Star_03312012.
Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self spoke to an official in the second half in the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) made his way back to the locker room as fans cheered after the University of Kansas and beat Ohio State University in the NCAA Final Four basketball game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Saturday, Mar 31, 2012, in New Orleans, Louisiana. {Photo by SHANE KEYSER | Kansas City Star).
SHANE KEYSER/Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self reacted during the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Travis Releford (24) drove past Ohio State Buckeyes forward Sam Thompson (12) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0)dunked the ball past the defense of Ohio State Buckeyes forward Evan Ravenel (30) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) reacted after a dunk by Ohio State Buckeyes guard Lenzelle Smith, Jr. (32) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) recited after a dunk and colliding with the shoulder of Ohio State Buckeyes guard Lenzelle Smith, Jr. (32) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Travis Releford (24) drove around Ohio State Buckeyes forward Sam Thompson (12) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) drove past Ohio State Buckeyes forward Evan Ravenel (30) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) battled for a rebound with Ohio State Buckeyes forward Deshaun Thomas (1) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) shot over Ohio State Buckeyes forward Evan Ravenel (30) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Tyshawn Taylor (10) drove past Ohio State Buckeyes guard Aaron Craft (4) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jared Sullinger (0) shot over Kansas Jayhawks center Jeff Withey (5) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Ohio State Buckeyes guard Lenzelle Smith, Jr. (32) shot over Kansas Jayhawks guard Conner Teahan (2) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Bob Daum of Overland Park, an Ohio State University Alumn and vice-president of the OSU Alumni Association of Kansas City, cheered on the OSU Buckeyes Saturday night as they played KU in the Final Four. The watch party was held at Old Chicago Pasta and Pizza in Overland Park. 03312012 Susan Pfannmuller/Special to The Star
Susan Pfannmuller//Special to Th

DAvid Lab of Overland Park, an Ohio State University alumni and a former member of the OSU marching band, played the School song Saturday as the OSU Buckeyes game against KU in the Final Four got under way. The watch party was held at Old Chicago Pasta and Pizza in Overland Park. 03312012 Susan Pfannmuller/Special to The Star
Susan Pfannmuller//Special to Th

Ohio State Buckeyes guard Aaron Craft (4) shot under the defense of Kansas Jayhawks center Jeff Withey (5)during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Ohio State Buckeyes guard Aaron Craft (4) went low under Kansas Jayhawks center Jeff Withey (5) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Ohio State Buckeyes guard Lenzelle Smith, Jr. (32) shot over the defense of Kansas Jayhawks guard Conner Teahan (2) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self reacted against the Ohio State Buckeyes during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Bob Daum of Overland Park, an Ohio State University Alumn and vice-president of the OSU Alumni Association of Kansas City, cheered on the OSU Buckeyes Saturday night as they played KU in the Final Four. The watch party was held at Old Chicago Pasta and Pizza in Overland Park. 03312012 Susan Pfannmuller/Special to The Star
Susan Pfannmuller//Special to Th

Bob Daum of Overland Park, an Ohio State University Alumn and vice-president of the OSU Alumni Association of Kansas City, cheered on the OSU Buckeyes Saturday night as they played KU in the Final Four. The watch party was held at Old Chicago Pasta and Pizza in Overland Park. 03312012 Susan Pfannmuller/Special to The Star
Susan Pfannmuller//Special to Th

Ohio State Buckeyes guard Aaron Craft (4) drove to the basket past Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Ohio State Buckeyes guard Aaron Craft (4) drove to the basket past Kansas Jayhawks guard Elijah Johnson (15) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) had his shot blocked by Ohio State Buckeyes forward Sam Thompson (12) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Elijah Johnson (15) looked for a teammate to pass to over Ohio State Buckeyes forward Deshaun Thomas (1) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Ohio State Buckeyes guard Aaron Craft (4) shot over the defense of Kansas Jayhawks guard Elijah Johnson (15) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSERThe Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Tyshawn Taylor (10) reacted during the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks center Jeff Withey (5) blocked the shot of Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jared Sullinger (0) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Kansas Jayhawks guard Conner Teahan (2) is at lower right. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks center Jeff Withey (5) drove to the basket through Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jared Sullinger (0) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Travis Releford (24) shot over Ohio State Buckeyes forward Deshaun Thomas (1) in the first half during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Tyshawn Taylor (10) scrambled for a loose ball with Ohio State Buckeyes guard Aaron Craft (4) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Travis Releford (24) drove with the ball defended by Ohio State Buckeyes forward Sam Thompson (12) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Shane Keyser/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jared Sullinger (0) blocked a shot by Kansas Jayhawks forward Kevin Young (40) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Conner Teahan (2) shot over Ohio State Buckeyes guard William Buford (44) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) shot over Ohio State Buckeyes forward Deshaun Thomas (1) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) and Kansas Jayhawks forward Kevin Young (40) fought for rebound over Ohio State Buckeyes guard Aaron Craft (4) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jared Sullinger (0) battled for a loose ball with Kansas Jayhawks forward Kevin Young (40) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Tyshawn Taylor (10) shot over Ohio State Buckeyes guard Aaron Craft (4) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Tyshawn Taylor (10) shot over Ohio State Buckeyes guard Aaron Craft (4) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) battled for rebound with Ohio State Buckeyes forward Deshaun Thomas (1) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Elijah Johnson (15) crossed up Ohio State Buckeyes guard Aaron Craft (4) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks center Jeff Withey (5) collided with Ohio State Buckeyes forward Deshaun Thomas (1) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks center Jeff Withey (5) collided with Ohio State Buckeyes forward Deshaun Thomas (1) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Tyshawn Taylor (10) and Kansas Jayhawks center Jeff Withey (5) walked to the bench during a timeout against the Ohio State Buckeyes during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Tyshawn Taylor (10) shot over Ohio State Buckeyes forward Deshaun Thomas (1) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Thad Matta spoke to Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jared Sullinger (0) during a timeout against the Kansas Jayhawks during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Elijah Johnson (15) looked for a teammate to pass to over Ohio State Buckeyes forward Deshaun Thomas (1) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self gave instructions to his team against the Ohio State Buckeyes during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self spoke with a referee during Saturday's NCAA basketball game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Former Kansas Jayhawks head coach Roy Williams, now with North Carolina, was present at the game against Kansas and the Ohio State Buckeyes during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Travis Releford (24) defended a drive by Ohio State Buckeyes guard William Buford (44) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self was behind in the score in the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks forward Kevin Young (40) shot over Ohio State Buckeyes forward Sam Thompson (12) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Elijah Johnson (15) shot over the defense of Ohio State Buckeyes forward Evan Ravenel (30) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Elijah Johnson (15) scrambled for a loose ball with Ohio State Buckeyes forward Sam Thompson (12) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Tyshawn Taylor (10) shot over Ohio State Buckeyes guard Aaron Craft (4) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks center Jeff Withey (5) shot over Ohio State Buckeyes forward Deshaun Thomas (1) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jared Sullinger (0) passed over the double team defense of Kansas Jayhawks center Jeff Withey (5) and Kansas Jayhawks guard Tyshawn Taylor (10) in the first half during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game against Ohio State Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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A Kansas cheerleader performs during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game against Ohio State Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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A Kansas cheerleader performs during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game against Ohio State Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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Kansas' Jeff Withey (5) dunks the ball over Ohio State's Deshaun Thomas, left, and Aaron Craft (4) during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
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Ohio State forward Sam Thompson (12) and Kansas guard Tyshawn Taylor (10) go up against each other during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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Kansas cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game against Ohio State Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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Ohio State forward Jared Sullinger (0) is blocked from the basket by Kansas center Jeff Withey (5), top, and guard Conner Teahan (2), bottom left, during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
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Kansas center Jeff Withey (5) shoots over Ohio State forward Deshaun Thomas (1) during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
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Ohio State's Jared Sullinger (0) drives past Kansas' Jeff Withey during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
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Ohio State's Jared Sullinger (0) fights for a loose ball with Kansas' Jeff Withey, right, during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
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Kansas guard Travis Releford (24) drives past Ohio State forward Sam Thompson (12)during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
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Kansas guard Elijah Johnson (15) dribbles around Ohio State guard Aaron Craft (4) during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
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Ohio State's Aaron Craft (4) drives to the basket between Kansas' Thomas Robinson, left, and Elijah Johnson, right, during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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Kansas' Tyshawn Taylor, left, tries to steal the ball from Ohio State's Aaron Craft during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
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Ohio State's Jared Sullinger reacts during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game against Kansas Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
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Ohio State forward Jared Sullinger (0) and Kansas forward Kevin Young (40) battle between Ohio State forward Deshaun Thomas, left, and Kansas center Jeff Withey (5) during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
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A Kansas cheerleader performs during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game against Ohio State Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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Ohio State head coach Thad Matta calls out to his team as guard Lenzelle Smith, Jr. (32) walks on the court during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game against Kansas Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
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Kansas guard Elijah Johnson (15) passes around Ohio State forward Deshaun Thomas (1) during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
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Kansas cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game against Ohio State Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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Kansas' Kevin Young shoots over Ohio State's Sam Thompson (12) during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
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Ohio State head coach Thad Matta talks to his team during a timeout during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game against Kansas Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
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A Kansas cheerleader performs during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game against Ohio State Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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Ohio State head coach Thad Matta calls out to his team as guard Lenzelle Smith, Jr. (32) walks on the court during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game against Kansas Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
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Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) pulled a rebound down from Ohio State Buckeyes forward Sam Thompson (12) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jared Sullinger (0) shot over the defense of Kansas Jayhawks center Jeff Withey (5) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jared Sullinger (0) drove to the basket past Kansas Jayhawks center Jeff Withey (5) during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self reacted during the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self reacted during the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks assistant coach Danny Manning prior to the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks fans cheered the introduction of their team against the Ohio State Buckeyes during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Ohio State Buckeyes guard William Buford (44) drove around a screen set for Kansas Jayhawks guard Tyshawn Taylor (10) in the first half during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks fans cheered the introduction of their team against the Ohio State Buckeyes during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jared Sullinger (0) drove around the defense of Kansas Jayhawks center Jeff Withey (5) in the first half during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks fans cheered the introduction of their team against the Ohio State Buckeyes during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Tyshawn Taylor (10) shot over the defense of Ohio State Buckeyes guard Aaron Craft (4) in the first half during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks fans cheered the introduction of their team against the Ohio State Buckeyes during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Tyshawn Taylor (10) shot over the defense of Ohio State Buckeyes guard Aaron Craft (4) in the first half during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) and Kansas Jayhawks center Jeff Withey (5) battled for a rebound with Ohio State Buckeyes forward Deshaun Thomas (1) in the first half during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) shot over the defense of Ohio State Buckeyes forward Deshaun Thomas (1) in the first half during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jared Sullinger (0) took a shot over Kansas Jayhawks center Jeff Withey (5) in the first half during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Travis Releford (24) took a shot over Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jared Sullinger (0) in the first half during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks center Jeff Withey (5) won the opening tipoff against the Ohio State Buckeyes during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. SHANE KEYSER/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

A Kansas cheerleader cheers before the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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An Ohio State fan cheers during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game against Kansas Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
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Ohio State fams cheer during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game against Kansas Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
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Kansas head coach Bill Self looks on during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game against Ohio State Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
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The floor of the SUperdome is seen during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game between Kansas and Ohio State Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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Ohio State head coach Thad Matta reacts during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game against Kansas Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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Ohio State guard William Buford (44) tries to pass around Kansas guard Travis Releford (24) during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
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Kansas head coach Bill Self reacts during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game against Ohio State Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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Kansas head coach Bill Self watches his team group together before the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
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Ohio State forward Jared Sullinger (0) shoots over Kansas center Jeff Withey (5) during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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Ohio State head coach Thad Matta, right, shakes hands with Kansas head coach Bill Self before the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
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Ohio State guard Aaron Craft (4) drives around Kansas guard Elijah Johnson (15) during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) looked back at Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self after a timeout in the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas head coach Bill Self reacts during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game against Ohio State Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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Ohio State Buckeyes guard William Buford (44) drove around a screen set for Kansas Jayhawks guard Tyshawn Taylor (10) in the first half during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas' Tyshawn Taylor, center, shoots between Ohio State's Aaron Craft, left, and Lenzelle Smith, Jr., right, during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) 4l, 32r
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Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self was greeted by Kansas fans prior to the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks fans greeted the introduction of their team prior to the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Kansas Jayhawks guard Elijah Johnson (15) was greeted by Kansas fans prior to the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes during Saturday's NCAA basketball game at the Superdome in New Orleans, La, on March 31, 2012. Rich Sugg/The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star

Even on vacation, we cheer on our Jayhawks! These gorgeous Baby Jays are my daughters: Abigail, Ashlee and Ava. Rock Chalk!<br></br><strong>Location:</strong> Dallas, TX<br></br><strong>Date:</strong> 2011 <br></br><br></br><a href="http://www.kansas.com/upload/">Click here to upload your KU fan photo to be featured on Kansas.com</a>.
Courtesy photo

Our three Jayhawk fans posing with a statue of their favorite mascot on the campus in Lawrence during March Madness.<br></br><strong>Location:</strong> Lawrence, University of Kansas<br></br><strong>Date:</strong> March 2012 <br></br><br></br><a href="http://www.kansas.com/upload/">Click here to upload your KU fan photo to be featured on Kansas.com</a>.
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My son Westley loves cheering for the Jayhawks. <br></br><br></br><a href="http://www.kansas.com/upload/">Click here to upload your KU fan photo to be featured on Kansas.com</a>.
The Wichita Eagle

My son's first KU game. My son met Big Jay. The poster was designed and colored by my son (age 7).<br></br><strong>Location:</strong> Allen Fieldhouse<br></br><strong>Date:</strong> 1/14/2012
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My late husband was the biggest KU fan ever. We have his KU flag flying at his grave in the cemetery. Long may it wave.<br></br><strong>Location:</strong> Maize Cemetery<br></br><strong>Date:</strong> April 1, 2012
Courtesy photo

James Naismith got the ball rolling at Kansas, and it can be argued that Kentucky turned the nation on to the sport after Rupp arrived and created powerhouse teams during the Depression.

For the first time, radio waves brought sports news into America’s homes and the Wildcats’ success spread into households coast to coast.

Together, Kansas and Kentucky maintained excellence over the decades, and here they are in the Superdome, 40 minutes for the national championship.

Kansas coach Bill Self even caught himself in a look-ahead. All coaches do, but none ever admit it.

“I dreamed about it as soon as I saw the brackets,” Self said. “I did look. I said, ‘How cool would it be to play Kentucky in the finals?’ ”

Or, in other eras, how rad, groovy or swell? Kansas-Kentucky works in any generation, and somehow — almost remarkably — they’ve never met for a national championship. The Jayhawks have collided with other bluebloods in title bouts — Indiana, North Carolina and Duke. The Wildcats have battled the Blue Devils and UCLA, among others, on the final night.

Monday night’s game marks only the third NCAA meeting between the programs, and both were in the second round. The Wildcats won in overtime in 1999, the Jayhawks won in 2007.

As for this one, the players have enough on their minds without delving into history’s specifics.

“We know both programs have had success through the years,” Wildcats freshman guard Marquis Teague said.

Players live in the moment, and based on the NCAA Tournament paths of both schools, this one seems to be headed one of two directions.

Kentucky wins with room to spare, or Kansas’ habit of living on the edge continues for a final pulsating occasion.

In three of its five NCAA victories, the Jayhawks have trailed by at least eight points. The biggest comeback occurred in Saturday’s 64-62 semifinal victory over Ohio State, a game in which the Jayhawks trailed by 13 points in the first half.

Its NCAA Tournament games are the longest stretch of the season in which the Jayhawks haven’t shot 50 percent. Point guard Tyshawn Taylor has missed 23 straight three-pointers dating back to the Baylor loss in the Big 12 Tournament.

All-America candidate Thomas Robinson hasn’t had a game in which he’s made at least half of his shots.

Yet the Jayhawks are clicking in so many other ways, starting with defense.

As poorly as Kansas is shooting, opponents have been worse. Part of that has been the play of center Jeff Withey, whose seven blocked shots against the Buckeyes pushed his NCAA Tournament total to 27, leaving short of a record total amount for one tournament.

No tournament team has scored more than 67 points, none has shot better than 44 percent.

When games reach critical junctures late, Kansas has made the plays. A steal and drive by Travis Releford against Ohio State, a Withey block and tap to Taylor against North Carolina, an Elijah Johnson layup against North Carolina State and his three-pointer against Purdue.

“Our guys have done a good job of performing the way you have to for giving yourself a chance to win in the last five minutes,” Self said.

Where sixth-ranked Kansas (32-6) has won its NCAA games by a seven-point average, top-ranked Kentucky (37-2) has reached this point by beating tournament opponents by a 12.6-point margin. Saturday, the Wildcats’ put away rival Louisville 69-61, and they won their four other NCAA games by double digits.

In forward Anthony Davis, Kentucky is led by the nation’s top player who has averaged 15.2 points, 11.6 rebounds and 4.6 blocks in the tournament.

Robinson doesn’t figure to spend much time guarding Davis — that will be Withey’s job — but Robinson said the Jayhawks are ready for the challenge.

“Anthony Davis is a great player, but he’s not Superman,” Robinson said. “We just have to be Kansas, do what we do best, keep being aggressive.”

In the teams’ regular-season meeting, on Nov. 15 in New York, Davis had 14 points to Robinson’s 11. Kentucky’s 75-65 victory was typical — all five starters in double figures.

The coaching matchup also is intriguing. Self and Calipari have a common Kansas background. Calipari was a volunteer on the final staff of Ted Owens in 1983 and remained on board for two years when Larry Brown took over.

When Calipari left, Self assumed the role for a year. Their coaching paths famously clashed in the 2008 championship game, when the Jayhawks beat Calipari’s Memphis Tigers for the title, after KU’s Mario Chalmers sent the game into overtime with a last-second three-pointer.

“I have great memories of Lawrence, Kan.,” Calipari said. “Not particularly of that game.”

A victory Monday night would be Self’s second NCAA title, and he’d become the school’s first multiple tournament championship coach. It would be Calipari’s first and he’d join Rupp, Joe B. Hall, Rick Pitino and Tubby Smith as Kentucky championship coaches.

And he would join the list of coaches who won it all, like a couple of Jayhawks, Allen and Rupp. In 1923, Rupp was a senior on the Kansas team which was retroactively named the nation’s best team by the Helms Foundation. Rupp never started. He was part of the squad of reserves that called themselves the “meat packers.”

Rupp was the only member of that team to go into coaching, and when the 1923 team held reunions, he returned to Lawrence when he could.

Allen died in 1974, and his grandson Mark said it was a nice surprise when Rupp arrived for the funeral.

“This tall man walked up and I wasn’t sure who it was at first,” Allen said. “It was Adolph Rupp, the legend.”

On that day, Kansas and Kentucky had reconnected, as they will Monday night on the biggest stage.